V-technology said on February 7 that it would establish an ‘organic electronics business demonstration facility’ in Yonezawa, Yamagata Prefecture to develop a fine hybrid mask (FHM), which is next-generation deposition mask for OLEDs, and next-generation deposition technology. The total investment is planned to be about 5 billion Japanese yen for two to three years. The facility is scheduled to be completed in August, 2018 and the mask samples are to be shipped from October, 2018.

V-technology’s FHM adopts electroforming method and non-tension structure which is different from conventional FMM manufacturing method. The weight of the mask produced by this FHM method can be reduced to one tenth (1/10) level compared to the existing conventional mask. As the weight decreases, the problem of mask bending due to its own weight and shadow interference problem caused thereby can be solved. V technology already unveiled a Fine Hybrid Mask (FHM) that can implement 738ppi UHD at Finetech Japan 2017 in April 2017.

<V technology, Fine hybrid mask with non-tension structure>

V-technology also announced that it has reached a basic agreement to transfer the entire stock of Lumiotec, a lighting OLED panel company. Lumiotec is specialized in lighting OLED panels in Japan, and has supplied a large number of OLED lighting panels for indoor use and exhibition use in addition to indoor lighting.

<Lumiotec lounge lighting, Source: Lumiotec>

V technology expects Lumiotec’s technology and business know-how to contribute to the group’s development. The stock transfer is scheduled for April, and information such as the transfer price is not disclosed.

Key companies of lighting industry, such as Osram, Philips, Panasonic, and GE Lighting, occupies approximately 70% of total lighting market and maintains stable entry barrier. Most of the key companies are also actively carrying out OLED lighting development as next generation lighting. As they reveal new OLED lighting panels each year, it is estimated that these companies will play a major role in next generation lighting market.

However, once OLED lighting market is vitalized, the existing lighting companies’ stable market control is expected to be rattled.

OLED Lighting Annual Report, published by UBI Research, pointed out that major lighting companies have already invested in LED lighting in large scale, and estimated until the investment cost is returned new investment for OLED lighting will be difficult. To stimulate OLED lighting market the report suggested push market, a strategy being used in display market. According to the report, the production cost competitiveness can be achieved through aggressive investment by LG Chem. and new OLED lighting companies such as Lumiotec. The report also estimated once OLED lighting market is open through aggressive investment and push market strategy, the lighting market leadership will be transferred to new OLED lighting companies which invested in OLED lighting early from major companies which missed investment timing.

Total Lighting Market Structure Forecast

OLED lighting market is currently being formed through specialized uses such as for interior/outdoor design, shop, restaurant, medical, and cosmetic. Konica Minolta has already completed mass production line investment and the line has been in operation since the end of 2014. LG Chem. is also positively considering mass production line investment. When OLED lighting panel’s active mass production begins, the market is forecast to expand as specialized lighting and replacement lighting for incandescent and fluorescent lights. From 2020, when OLED lighting panel is estimated to achieve reasonable price as interior lighting through major panel companies’ active mass production, it is estimated it will grow by encroaching part of LED lighting market.

From 2017 OLED lighting panel market for interior lighting is forecast to grow rapidly at CAGR of approximately 90%, and record US$ 5,700 million revenue in 2025. Flexible OLED lighting panel is estimated to be used where normal lighting application is difficult and occupy approximately 27% of OLED interior lighting market in 2025.

Interior Lighting Market Forecast

http://olednet.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/DD.jpg383701OLEDNET/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/logo_oled.pngOLEDNET2015-05-27 14:01:432018-07-11 22:31:44Lighting Industry Market Control by Stable Major Companies, OLED Lighting Shakes It Up